IPMAT Sectional Time Lock, Explained

Direct answer: A sectional time lock means each section has its own fixed time window — at IIM Indore commonly 40 minutes — and you cannot carry unused time forward or return to a completed section. IIM Rohtak has no lock. The lock forces per-section pacing, which changes how you sequence questions.

What the sectional lock does

No time-banking. Under a lock, finishing one section early does not give you extra time elsewhere. So a strong section can't rescue a weak one on the clock — each must stand alone within its window. See the full marking scheme for how this interacts with negative marking.

How to pace under the lock

Per-section budgets. Decide a time plan for each section before the exam, open with your fastest question types to bank marks, and never hoard hard questions for "later" — there is no later once the window closes. Build this with timed mocks in IPMAT coaching.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IPMAT Indore sectional time lock?
IIM Indore locks each of its sections to a fixed time window (commonly 40 minutes); you cannot carry unused time forward or return to a completed section. This forces per-section pacing rather than managing one overall clock. Confirm the current timing on iimidr.ac.in.
Does IIM Rohtak have a sectional lock?
No. IIM Rohtak has no sectional lock, so you manage your own time across all sections. That flexibility is also a risk — it's easy to over-invest in one section, so plan a per-section time budget anyway.
How should I pace under a sectional lock?
Treat each locked section as its own mini-exam: open with the questions you're fastest at, bank a few sure marks, then attempt the rest. Don't save hard questions for later — you can't return once the section's window closes.

Related pages

Exam patternIndore, Rohtak & JIPMATMarking schemeNegative marking & the mathIPMAT guide (all topics)Browse the full IPMAT hubIPMAT coachingBatches, fees & modes
In this section▾